Senior Systems Engineer (Clearance preferred)

About Capella Space

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

What Makes Capella Unique?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to lead the development, execution, and delivery of a full lifecycle spacecraft mission. This includes leadership through early mission architecture and system design, requirements derivation, system detailed design, manufacturing, integration, test, verification and validation, launch, and on-orbit operations. The systems engineer will act as the ultimate technical lead for all program efforts.

This role is high-visibility, high-impact, and significantly cross-functional. Project resources are provided by engineering managers of various disciplines, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering teams. In this role you will work closely with internal program teams, the program customer, and Capella’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This role will report to the Senior Manager, Spacecraft Systems within the R&D organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for mission architecture and system design on complex space missions, with an emphasis on RF, communications, or SAR systems
• Lead the definition and evolution of mission concepts of operations, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs, strategic objectives, and enterprise-level priorities.
• Oversee mission formulation, requirements development, verification, and validation to ensure technical and programmatic success.
• Act as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions, resolving high-impact issues, and ensuring clear, consistent communication throughout the program lifecycle.
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership from concept through implementation, integration, and operations for multiple concurrent projects.
• Direct the development and management of complex interfaces, including authorship and control of Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Aid in the creation and execution of system-level test strategies, including approval of test plans/procedures and final authority on test result acceptance.
• Chair and present at critical space system milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.) with both internal stakeholders and external customers/agencies.
• Guide and review spacecraft subsystem designs (communications, ADCS, propulsion, avionics, structure, etc.), ensuring optimal trade studies and design decisions that balance risk, cost, and performance.
• Provide oversight of space mission operations planning, anomaly resolution, and long-term operational strategies.
• Support system-level risk management activities, ensuring proactive identification, tracking, and mitigation of technical and programmatic risks.
• Aid in the regulatory processes including orbital debris assessment, spectrum licensing, and compliance with international/national space regulations.
• Assist and advance company-level best practices in Systems Engineering
• Mentor and develop engineering talent, providing technical coaching and career guidance to team members across disciplines.

Qualifications:

• S./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Proven track record in systems engineering, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
• Proven record as a lead systems engineer on missions from concept through operations, including managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and multiple subcontractors.
• Demonstrated expertise in mission architecture, spacecraft design, and system integration across multiple subsystems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in supporting project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation, with a focus on delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.
• Strong customer engagement skills, with a history of leading technical negotiations and influencing high-level decision-making.
• Proficiency with Systems Engineering methodologies and tools and the ability to implement them across programs.
• Proficiency with requirement management methodologies and tools (e.g., DOORS, Stell, Jama), and the ability to implement them across programs
• Familiarity with NASA’s Systems Engineering Handbook, DoD space acquisition processes, and/or relevant industry standards.
• Experience with spacecraft design, communication system design, and mission design
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python preferred) for mission analysis, modeling, automation, and tool development.
• Hands-on experience with space mission assembly, integration, and testing.
• Experience leading/managing teams.
• Demonstrated ability and experience tailoring the application of systems engineering practices to foster a “new space” approach.

Eligibility Requirements

• This is an IMMEDIATE hiring need.
• Ability to work in the Louisville, CO office 2-3 days/week desired. Unless work requires otherwise.
• Applicants must be a US Citizen.
• Active clearance or eligibility for security clearance preferred. [e.g., Secret/Top Secret/TS/SCI].
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $138,468 - $173,086. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!